I Am Injured, I Am An Ironman

On the way back from Missouri while I was driving, Shalene was surfing the web and found this hilarious video.  It is the epitome of the way IM'ers think and made me laugh my ass off!  There's a little bit of "this" in all of us.  Hope you get a laugh or 2!?

CONGRATS IM Couple Matt and Megan (Milling) Herring

Matt and Megan Tie the Knot!

 Matt Herring and Megan Miller happily said "I do" on Oct. 10, 2014!  The crazy couple were joined together in matrimony by none other than "the Rev" Jim Herring in his first official wedding ceremony.  The two day event was filled with a heart-felt ceremony, great food, lots of alcohol, dance moves by "old man Herring" that were historical, (I only wish I had video) and copious amounts of laughter!

No, I wasn't drunk when I took this picture.  This is my attempt at artistic interpretation!

Congrats to Matt and Megan...Wishing you unending years of Bliss!

Mississippi Mud

October 5, 2014:  Border Wars Tri - East vs. West

Get a snack for this read...you might need it!

I had no idea what to expect...I didn't swim in the Ohio river at Louisville, but I saw the water...and I know what everybody else thought about swimming there.  I've also spent many summer days wake boarding on the Scioto...we all know that's not the cleanest river...but I have never been in or seen anything any filthier than the Mississippi!

A multi-transition race is never ideal.  At the Border Wars race, we set up on Saturday.  It was a sunny, but chilly and extremely windy!  Winds with up to 30mph gusts were swinging my bike from side to side as I hung it by the seat.  I tried to squeeze all the bikes together so that they weren't banging into each other as the winds whipped thru the transition area.  Shalene and I did a quick walk down to the water to take a look...and I gotta say...It was daunting.  There were white caps and the river water was literally brown.  I recently started drinking coffee...and I call the coffee I make "white coffee" because I put so much creamer in it...it's actually that muddy color which isn't attractive, but is more palatable for me...that was the color of the water!

When I walked back up from the water to my bike, one of the ladies on my rack was attempting to put air in her newly purchased HED tri-spoke wheels and was having some difficulty...I offered my assistance only because I own a pair myself.  In passing conversation we talked about the race conditions and I remember telling her that if weather conditions didn't change...I couldn't imagine racing.  It would be miserable with white caps on the water and swimming against the current...and a 56 mile bike ride in 20-30mph winds...NOT for me!  I was there to test my fitness, but I'm not really that crazy at this age!  She looked at me like I was CRAZY!  She Was IN!  No question about it for her!  She offered her pump to me for the next morning...a super nice gesture because I was a little worried that there wouldn't be enough pumps for 500 people...and I didn't really want to carry mine to transition either.  I found out later that she kicked my ass in the race!  Averaged 20+ on the bike (must've been the wheels?) and averaged 8:30's on the run!  She was serious!

Shalene and I went back to our hotel room and started packing for race morning...trying to determine what we wanted...these situations require a bit more thought process than your mid summer races... we weren't positive what the weather was gonna be?  Arm warmers...sure...but was that enough?  Did we need a jacket?  What about gloves?  With winds like that, I also like to cover my ears...It's funny...Shalene and I are extreme opposites when it comes to race prep and nerves...I hide in my little shell...finding comfort in silence...and Shalene...the Lord knows I love her...but she can't shut-up!  Its not even an option for her.   That mouth moves constantly!    It's probably a good thing...otherwise we would've sat in silence...and that's not cool either...

We planned an early dinner and a shop stop at Target for bananas, jam and some "throw away" clothes we might need in transition the next morning.  By the time we went to dinner, the winds had calmed down and temps were reasonable...I was starting to feel a little better about the race.  I also realized that the only "set up" we needed to complete was at the bike to run...we only needed to put a few things down (shoes, race number belt and socks) and take the Trolley to the race start...that meant an extra 15-20 minutes of sleep time in the morning!  Woohoo!  Before we hit the sack, I completed "race toaster" set up for the morning...and we were ready to go!

Race Goals:

Natalie:  Finish without too much suffering in around 6:40.

Shalene:  1) Not to have to pee during the race.  Ask her?

                2)  Beat 6:40...her Rev 3 Half time. 

Race morning was actually a relief...at the start.  I pushed Shalene out the door on schedule.  (which we all know is darn near impossible) The flag outside the hotel, was laying calmly on its pole...and it felt like it was the warmest temps we had since we arrived in St. Louis on Friday night!  I thought...whew...this is GOOD!
We arrived at T2, found our racks...set up our stuff and went straight to the Port-O-Johns for a little relief  (this becomes a crucial notation for later) AND a body marking!  From there...straight over to the Trolley line for our ride to T1. 

At T1, I did a quick tire check for both Shalene and myself. I left Shalene to set up her transition and I set up mine.  Every triathlete knows that its critical to sip on fluids all morning before you start your race.  Even maybe more critical on days that its chilly, because you really don't notice how much you are sweating throughout the day...every triathlete generally has to have to use the restroom before the race start...and this race company thought that 2 Port-O-Johns and 2 restroom toilets would be enough for 500 people?  (500 is the number they gave us...the race results show that only about 375ish people actually completed the race?)  Shalene and I start waiting for the restroom at 7:10...transition area closes at 7:50 for the start of the race...at 7:35, Shalene decides to head to the bushes to pee...at 7:38...she convinces me to do the same.  That's a first for me...never had to pee in the bushes prior to a race before.  I head over to my bike to grab my wetsuit and give everything a double check...then proceed down to Shalene's rack which is closer to the water start to pull (and I literally mean "PULL over my FAT ASS") on our wetsuits...it was during this time that we started to hear rumors about the water temp being 58 degrees!  I, trying to be optimistic, dismissed it.  HOW could it possibly go from 72 degrees to 58 degrees overnight?  It was also at this time that Shalene and I met Juan Valdez.  Juan was standing at his bike (right beside Shalene's) and I asked him if he was putting on a wetsuit?  When he said "no"...I inquired about how fast he must swim...planned to be in and out quickly, right?...he then told me that this was his first race...and that he was very slow.  He was a big guy...and when the rumors became fact about the water temps...I started to feel really bad for Juan Valdez....

Before you know it...Shalene and I...with our $5 throw away shoes and some old socks head down to the start...I didn't hardly hear anyone say "go" or give any instructions before the start...people were just getting in the water....being in the last wave...I hesitated for only a few minutes before I stripped down to wetsuit only and wished Shalene luck.  (being 10 years younger than I also meant she was going in the water ahead of me!)  It wasn't until Shalene's wave that I finally saw it happen...two ladies walked into the water...and walked right back out!  It was then that I started to notice how everyone was struggling to put their face in the water...the race director finally (or at least I finally heard him) announced the water temp at 58...and I finally didn't feel so good again? 

I can't say I anxiously ran into the water...but neither did anyone else.   It was COLD!  FRIGID COLD!  I knew that putting my face in right away might be a bad idea...so I started my tarzaan stroke...good thing I've been practicing this, because I did it for nearly the first 500 meters or so...every paddleboard and kayak I saw had people hanging from them...I started to put my nose and mouth in the water, just to blow some bubbles and see if I could get used to it?  At the first turn, as I kept my head up...I saw Shalene.  I started saying her name, because it looked like she was just treading water...not swimming...and she looked at me like I was the creature from the black lagoon.  I finally got her to look at me...and I asked her if she was ok?  She said "yes"...so I swam on.  I thought she might find my feet and try to stick with me like Laura likes to do...but too many swimmers between me and her.  I found out later that her "yes", was probably a "no".  Cold water distress had set in.  She said my face was so dirty that she didn't recognize me even though she could hear my voice...she thought I was guy with beard stubble all over!  (That's how dirty the water was...and what I found in my ears and coming out of my nose in the hours following wasn't pretty either) 

When I exited the water...I couldn't feel my feet or my hands.  I did sneak a peak at my time...it was 42 minutes and some change...I was really happy about that...I tried to start running to my bike, but it just felt like I was running on glass....with each step my feet stung with impact.  Nobody ever likes to strip off a wetsuit...but try doing it when you have no strength or function from your fingers...everyone around me was sitting on the ground...attempting to pull the wetsuit from their freezing feet.  I started to notice all the jackets people were wearing out of transition and it was then that I decided...to hell with the arm warmers...I'm going full gear jacket...I hardly ever get too warm anyway...and in the long run...I'm glad I did.  Never once did I regret putting on a full sleeved jacket! 

Beyond the fact that it sprinkled on us at the beginning of the bike...nothing like a little rain after some cold water swims and on 50 degree days...the bike was nice.  I can't say I "worked"...I just rode comfortably...and I couldn't hardly feel my feet or my hands until about mile 30-35ish?  It wasn't until the turn around at mile 25-28 that we had some headwind...but this is where I made some time and passed a lot of people!  Cold water swims, must also make you want to pee...because I had to pee from the moment I got on the bike.  I was promised a Port-O-John somewhere on the course...but never saw it!  I guess I thought it would be at one of the two bottle swaps...but alas...no restroom...and I wasn't in for peeing in the farmers crops?  (as many a men did!) 

We finally crossed the Mississippi...and off the bike...surely there's a Port-O-John in T2!?  Nope!  Sorry about your luck!  I ran...and I gotta tell ya...it's tough to run when you gotta pee...for 3 miles before there was FINALLY and Port-O-John on course!  UGH....I was feeling pretty peppy after that and made it to the turn-around in 1:10 and change...that's fast for me!  I really kept waiting for Shalene to pass over my shoulder...and at about mile 7-7.5...I finally saw Shalene on her way out to the turn.  I started doing the math in my head and trying to figure out what I would need to do to stay in front for the next 5.5 miles. ( Little did I know that she was going to sit down...chat and eat some pretzels at the turn!)  This gave me a little "motivational juice" to keep up the pace...but I finally crashed about a mile later.  I think a lack of fluid on the bike and fuel on the run finally sneaked up on me...I did my best to mentally get myself to run as much as I could...but it was UGLY!  We've all been there...you know what I mean!  I crossed the finish line in 6:45...I wasn't in enough pain to be overly proud...but it was the first time I've done an event in 3 years...and I was proud of that! 

I know you are all wondering..."What happened to Juan?"

I saw Juan starting his run while I was finishing mine...I smiled and waved and tried to give him a boost!  His race time says 8:30 on the results page...I actually wouldn't know that if Shalene hadn't told me...she's the nosey one.  That was the race cut-off...I'm not sure if he made it under the clock...or that's the time they gave him?  I was just happy to see that he had, in fact, made it out of the water! 

St. Louis Watch Out...Here We Come!

Shalene and I showered and headed into St. Louis looking for a great bar with great taps and good food!  Of course I let Shalene be the lead on this task...and she did not fail!  Who could've questioned?    I have never been to St. Louis, and I wanted to see the Arch...Gateway to the West!  She found us a perfect bar selling local craft beer...great food and as you can see...pretty close to the Arch!  Don't worry...I only drank One in Dog Beers!  We hobbled our way around a few blocks after our first stop and decided we should at least have a few more drinks to celebrate!  We found another great bar with phenominal Ooeey Gooey dessert...and mixed cocktails abound! 

New Bike

As I sit here in a frigid ice bath I decided to pen the news on my new bike!
Two  weeks ago I decided to spend the $175 on a bike fit at tri-tech to make sure I was properly fit to my Felt S32 (2005). As I (and Natalie) expected my bike was too small (2 sizes to be exact!). I was hoping for only minor tweaks to my existing bike but of course this wasn't possible.
I went home and thought about it for a week and decided if I'm going to keep doing long distance tri's  I want a bike that fits me!
On Saturday I visited tri-tech and found a 2011 Scott Plasma 20. Since this bike is a couple years old (but new) it was 30% off! After riding the Scott and a couple others I bit the bullet and made the purchase. My first carbon bike with ultegra components. It's a hefty 18.2 lbs with pedals, cages and computer :)

I picked it up last night and my inaugural ride is slated for tomorrow!  Obviously I've ramped up my training (hence the ice bath) so who knows what I'm thinking. Riding 2-3 times per week, running twice and swimming twice is progressing better than I expected! Happy October and ill post some pics of the new bike once I figure out how to!
Jeremy

42 Degrees is FRIGID !

When I was loading my bike on the truck to head to the race last Sunday morning I thought to myself:  "Why am I doing this?"  I initially signed up for the race as a precursor to the half-iron distance race I'm doing on October 5 in St. Louis...I haven't raced in a few years so I thought it might be nice to "get my feet wet" with something a lot shorter in distance.Little did I know that temps would be in the low 40's!  ("getting my feet wet" actually became literal as I found myself standing at the race start with my feet in the water because the water temps were 30 degrees warmer than the air!)    As I agonized on the way to the race site, I came up with a bazillion reasons why I should just drive back to Delaware and continue with a warmer afternoon workout...even my navigation system which seemed to be taking me on every winding back road possible to get to the race seemed to give me reason to just bag it!  Fortunately, as we finally pulled into the parking lot and I saw the other 500 crazy people there getting ready to race too...I felt slightly more at ease about testing my fitness levels.

The race was actually delayed for 30 minutes because of the fog on the water.  As the start time got nearer, Shalene and I were relunctant to take off our sweats, but started to shimmie our way into our wetsuits anyway.  Headed to the race start and standing barefoot on the wet ground was not pleasant...and then we realized we'd be more comfy standing in the water to wait for our wave start.

In conclusion, it turned out being a really nice day.  The bike course was tough for everyone...and I still had to wear a long-sleeved jacket on the bike, but both Shalene and I finished 2nd in our age groups (1st would've been better...but hey...I'm old now!)   and we traveled home happy to have completed the race and conquered the frost!

Jeremy....I hope to have your same motivation at the end of my Border Wars Half-Iron Distance race and I'll soon have my IM confirmation number too!

2015

As I lay here in bed I've been pondering the reasons one puts in the training time, effort, dedication, sacrifice and EXTREME selfishness to compete in an IRONMAN.

I can confidently say my motivation today is new and unique compared to 2007. In 07' I was still in college and just putting in enough time to hear the epic phrase "You are an IRONMAN," 12:22;42- A time I'll always be able to recite effortlessly!

I struggle to pinpoint just one reason so here is my list - competition, self-improvement, accomplishment, proving time and patience does heal injuries, comradery, finish line photos with Hayden and now I'm always dreaming about Kona- actually qualifying or (more realistic) lottery! 

While I haven't actually signed up yet I've started penciling in what it will take for IMKY in 2015. Hayden will be putting in a lot of miles with his Dad and ill be fast as lightening on the run course without the damn stroller! 

Congrats to all racers this year - especially my wife for killing an Olympic distance tri 7.5 months after bringing Hayden into the world!

Cheers as the summer winds down and fall settles in. My next post will hopefully include my IMKY confirmation number!

Everything's Bigger In Texas?

Everything might be bigger in Texas?  I can tell you for sure that everything is SLOWER in Texas!  I could have ran to the airport with my luggage in hand faster than what Dollar Rent-A-Car got me there!  And lets all remember folks...I'm a REALLY SLOW Runner!

Pictured above is the happy couple Mr. and Mrs. Ruggerio!  The wedding was beautiful!  (Thanks not only to a handsome couple, but  also because of the baby blue and white theme!)  At the yacht club, on the lake, by the pool.  20 minutes of "I Do, She Did, and We Are" and before you could get out of your seat, drinks were served!  Food was phenomenal, Band was even better!  Congrats to you both!  Happily Ever After & Good Luck!

On the Training front:

I'm finally starting to meld and be one with my bike.  Feels a little better after every ride!  I ordered a new and smaller set of handlebars last week, and I hope and think that will be the last thing that will really make me more comfy!

As the lb's come off, I'm feeling a little more like training more.  Geez, 10-15 lbs can make a huge difference!  Hopefully mileage will continue to go up and pounds will continue to go down! 

I feel summer coming on...wishing you all great rides and runs over the holiday weekend!

Quote For The Week

As I try to institute some new Anti - TV Laws into the Herring Household...I saw this today and thought it quite appropriate!

"The man who does NOT read has no advantage over the man who cannot read."

                                                                                Mark Twain

Florida or BUST!

This was our view of the Gulf from our Condo for the last 10 days!  I miss it already!  I've never been a fan of vacationing in the same spot over and over and over...I mean, the world is a pretty big place and there's lots to see!  However, without a doubt, there is something to be said for the opportunity to take 10 days out of the year and do absolutely nothing!  There isn't anything that I need to go do or see...but I can take in a baseball game at Rays Stadium if I want to or go to the Dali museum...do a little, do a lot, or do nothing!  I guess that's the benefit of going to the same place every year!

So anyway, vacation was great...I've hit the recharge button and I feel ready to conquer the day! 

I did finally purchase a new bike on vacation.  We had a day of rain, so we went shopping!  Here's a pic:

This is the Look 695...step up from the 75.  Beyond looking super cool, this bike has the Look name on it 23 times!  Make no doubt what this bike is!  It came complete with the AC Wheels and Shimano Ultegra.  The wheels are nice...they grab a lot of wind on windy days, but should be great otherwise.  The groupo is the only thing I may change over the winter.  I've come to the conclusion that I'm a Campy girl.  This bike came with some monster handlebars so I still need to get those swapped out...but other than that I just need time and some miles and I'm sure this will fulfill all my speed needs!





"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race."
                                                                                                                      H. G. Wells

Decisions....Decisions....

So I spent last week milling over two additional possibilities for a new bike...

I decided to look at the LOOK 675 after dinner with John and Aimee last week.  John says his LOOK is the best thing he has ever ridden...and would look to buy another.

Researching the bike found great one-liners like...

"...add this bike to your list of neck tweakers"

"...the 675 turns heads due to the dedicated and integrated stem, which provides the bike with sultry yet aggressive profile that make the bike scream 'unique'..."

"The LOOK 675 was as exciting to ride as it is to ogle."

"....handles like it's on rails!"

"...it's a lot of panache for the money!"

I did think this was a super fun bike to ride!  The integrated stem makes it look super aggressive and it does handle really well, but it's also very comfy!  I could do without the Ultegra component group it's outfitted with, but beyond that...I really liked it!  Better yet, this pic is of the 2013 model, and the 2014 comes in a "lite" version.  Shaves a couple 300 grams of frame weight!  LOOKs are made in Nevers, France and still manufactures their TOP of the line 695 aerolight frames in France...but all the lower end models are still made in Asia.  Not good or bad for me, just the facts.  Total weight comes in at a hefty 16 lbs.!

Also in the mix is the Colnago M10.  The M10 is the first complete monocoque carbon frame that Colnago has put on the market.  Research found these great one-liners to explain this stable pony:

"...underneath that spanking paint job beats the heart of an Italian thoroughbred."

"It's pin-sharp handling lets you throw it into descents and around hairpins with total confidence."

"...the M10 just surges when you put power to the pedal..."

"Being responsive and stiff yet comfortable and confident makes it a truly desirable road race machine."

This is the bike that feels like I could ride into my 60's...yet it isn't the upright style bike that screams...."I'm headed out for ice cream"!   I'm not so sure I like the "white" bikes these days...but there seems to be a lot of them?  The positives are that this bike comes with Campy Chorus already on it!  All the Colnago frames are made in Asia except for their flagship C59...but brought back to the plant in Italy for the paint job!

All in all, I like both of these bikes, and they are a little less pricey than the Pinarello Paris, which I'd have to buy the frame and outfit to my wants.

"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime.  Teach a man to bike and he will realize that fishing is stupid and boring."
                                                                                                    Desmond Tutu

TTFN...

Basketball is OVER! Time to Train Again!

First of all I need to thank Beth Ruschau for putting up with me during the Columbus Half Marathon last fall.  It was great to have a friend to suffer with...and I had a great run.  So Kudos...and here's some pics!

Today has been all about bike research.  I went and test rode about 6 different bikes last Friday night with Jim and now I'm more confused than ever.  I thought I might be at that age that it was time to purchase the "comfort model road bike"...so I did my "bike fit" and got myself mentally prepared to ride a little more upright...

I HATED IT! 

I don't know what turning 60 is gonna feel like...but I felt like I was ready to pedal on down to the local ice cream shop for the evening...standing up on the pedals didn't seem to make me feel any faster either?  I ended up riding the shop owner's Pinarello Dogma and that wasn't probably the best idea!?  Now I just want to spend more money than what I was prepared for!  (Ya all know that a condo in Florida is ALL I have in mind for spending large amounts of money on!  I need this Condo before Hayden is old enough to want to go to Disney!)  So today it was back to the internet for more bike research.  I'm now considering the Pinarello Paris and maybe the Look 695?  I found a Look dealer in Columbus...and it just so happens that it's the same guy I had build my Lemond for me 18 years ago...is that a little crazy or what?  Wish me luck...I'll send pics later this week and let you guys help me choose!

Until then...TTFN!  (Gotta start practicing my POOH)

Update on my life - the good, the bad and the very good :)

Wow!  It’s been years since I logged into this blog and I had no idea Natalie was posting (until basketball started last year!)  Anyway maybe I’ll start posting….

Laura and I have experienced some very high and low points over the past year.  Exactly one year ago today we discovered she wouldn't have a teaching job with River Valley any longer.  Then on Mother’s day 2013 we discovered she was pregnant!  Obviously we were ecstatic, scared, terrified, happy, joyful, blessed and all the above…  Hayden is now 3 months old and is an awesome baby!  He is very good natured (like his father) and loves his “mummy.”  In case anyone was wondering he refers to Natalie as his “Mee-Maw.”

Obviously our “training” has taken a backseat to our pint sized top priority (although he's growing REALLY fast).  Since Hayden’s birth we've also experienced a frozen (broken) pipe in our house.  We are finally moved back in and undergone significant renovations.  We have a brand new kitchen and an open concept lower level (it’s awesome!). 

Laura won't openly advertise it but she is definitely getting antsy to start training again.  She has a “BOB” stroller and will be walking and running with Hayden a lot (when the weather cooperates).  As the weather turns she’ll be able to get on the bike so see if she’s available to go on a ride with ya J

In January, 2013 I suffered a left knee injury that subsequently initiated my withdraw from IM Texas.  This was obviously disappointing but there was nothing I could do about it.  I couldn't run more than 2 miles at any given time without significant pain.. After waiting 9 months (for the magic bullet) I decided to go under the knife and get it fixed.  It’s been 5 months and I’m still feeling the effects from surgery.  This is VERY frustrating because I didn't anticipate a recovery longer than 3 or 4 months.  I was able to get a 3 mile walk / jog in last week which felt awesome!  I also began swimming again last week and can really tell a reduction of swelling / inflammation in my knee!  It’s been crazy how these 4 swim sessions have expedited my recovery.  Today was my first day back in lane 1 and it about killed me.  Very little rest on the last set of 8 x 100’s @1:45.  I've included my workout summary for the past couple weeks.  I’m trying to hold back and ease my way back into everything but I struggle with the phrase “in moderation.”  I’m generally all-in or nothing at all.  I don’t know what I’m training for but I've definitely got some type of motivation.

                 S1           S2          B1                  B2            B3          R1             R2        Brick        Strength
3/31/14                                20mi-18.8                                                                  20min 2mi    XX

4/6/14    1900yd   2200yd  21mi-19         15mi-17                   3.1mi                    15min-2mi    XX   

4/13/14  2400yd   2600yd  35min-12mi  17mi-18.2  15mi-17.4                                                  X

Strength training is another important activity I really focused on over the past year.  Nothing crazy but 30-45 minutes of cardio based strength training.  I can tell my endurance has increased with this training in addition to strength.  Hopefully this will help with injury prevention and turn me into a better swimmer, biker and runner!  I recommend it to everyone that doesn't have a routine strength program.  It also helps when you have a personal trainer J

Happy training to everyone!  Enjoy the warm weather over the next 4 days!